To raise awareness about the decreasing presence of a common bird, Wildlife Conversation and Birds Club of Ladakh (WCBCL) Leh, celebrated world Sparrow Day, 2018 themed “I Love Sparrow” on March 20 at Girls Higher Secondary School Leh.

The chief guest of the program was Pankaj Raina, Wildlife Warden, Department of Wildlife Protection Leh while Phuntsog Dorjay, In-charge Principal Govt. Higher Secondary School Leh, Tsewang Rigzin, Field Officer World Wide Fund (WWF) and Narendra Patil, Naturalist, Snow Leopard Conservancy-India Trust (SLC-IT) were the guest of honor. 

      

Pankaj Raina said, “Birds are the facilitating creature and are part of our ecosystem; there is a huge importance of birds if we look at the wildlife angle. Birds are the most visible species. We neglect the importance of birds but they contribute a lot to the ecosystem and act as indicators of a change in climate. We all should pledge to preserve birds and appreciate their beauty.”

The day is also important to bring together the individual and organizations around the world working for the cause of protecting the sparrow.

 

Tashi Chotak Lonchey, Vice President, WCBCL said, “Ladakh is full of flora and fauna but unfortunately people were not much aware of the importance of ecosystem and interdependence, keeping all these things in view we started our club known as WCBCL.Today we are really proud to see that many people are showing their interest in preserving and conserving beautiful wildlife of Ladakh.”

Lobzang Visudha, Chairman WCBCL said, “There are reports of the decline in the number of sparrows, especially in cities. By celebrating this day we have to sensitize the issue There is no space for the nests because of the concrete houses construction and not many gardens are left. Moreover, the electricity tower rays affect these birds adversely.” 

He urged upon people to be the helping hand to resolve such challenges.

Phuntsog Dorjay, In-charge Principal Govt. Higher Secondary School, Leh acknowledged the efforts of WCBCL team and said that by celebrating this day many will learn the importance of the birds in our ecosystem. 

Tsewang Rigzin, Field Officer WWF said, “Sparrow is found mainly in every part of the country but due to the disturbances, the house sparrow is diminishing in numbers. We need them for a balanced ecological system and indeed for our very own existence.”

Wildlife Conversation and Birds Club of Ladakh (WCBCL) distributed Sparrow nest to the 21 members who sponsored to encourage putting them up at some convenient place in their houses so that they can nest the eggs.